Surf smelt (Hypomesus pretiosus) and Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) are important food for marine mammals, birds, and fishes, including Pacific salmon. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife protects these fish species and their spawning habitat by limiting human activities under the terms of a permit (called the Hydraulic Project Approval, HPA) on beaches where spawning has been documented. Extensive surveys have sampled many of the beaches in Puget Sound. However, despite good information on the distribution of spawning beaches our understanding of the ecology and protection needs for these species is very limited. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife conducts research that will allow us to better ensure adequate protection of Pacific sand lance and surf smelt given current and anticipated environmental conditions, without unnecessarily constraining human activity.

Disclaimer:The files below consist of background and survey protocol information for conducting forage fish spawning beach surveys. All surveys conducted by individuals not employed by WDFW require a scientific collection permit or memorandum of understanding from WDFW. Surveys related to HPA permits may only be conducted by WDFW or an approved biologist (WAC 220-110-271). To get details on how to become an “approved biologist” contact Phillip Dionne, phillip.dionne@dfw.wa.gov, 360-902-2641.

Spawning Location Map The map below shows the documented spawning locations of Pacific Sand Lance, Surf Smelt, and Pacific Herring in Washington State. This map should not be considered all inclusive of spawning habitat because not all potential spawning habitat has been surveyed, and it is possible for surveys to fail to detect eggs even when eggs are present.